Italy: “No politicians” in new cabinet

"Italian Premier Mario Monti has formed a government of bankers, diplomats and business executives, saying the absence of politicians in his Cabinet will spare political parties the 'embarrassment' of taking the tough decisions needed to steer the country from financial disaster. The 68-year-old former European Union competition commissioner and his Cabinet were sworn in Wednesday at a solemn ceremony at the presidential palace. Monti faces his first major hurdle today when he presents his legislative agenda to parliament and subjects his government to a confidence vote in the Senate." [editor's note: A mixed blessing, perhaps; the ranks are still filled with the "1%ers" vested in the statist quo - SAT] (11/17/11)